Business Owner – Who Do You Work For?

There are so many people that are better at business, more successful, probably better detailers than me that use this word regularly to describe their services.  Some of these people are my heroes in the industry.  My message is not meant to change or disrespect people who are on a positive path.  Nevertheless, I believe passionately in this rant.  I do sincerely hope the intent lands with people, who feel stagnant in business and are not attracting the types of clients that provide long term financial gain and also personal fulfillment.

I remember being at a social gathering establishment several years ago, getting a concept of how different people viewed me a couple of years into ownership.  I was greeted by a mutual acquaintance of a friend.  During our conversation he found out I was the OWNER of a detailing business.  He said, “you detail cars.  I got some cars for you, (come on specified date).”  After a (back and forth) mentioning a couple of times professionally there is a process to book with me like any other prospective client he responds with the statement, “oh you must not want to work.”

I do not remember what I said afterwards to end this and all future conversations with this person, but when I hear the word ‘job’ this interaction often comes to mind.  The rude and disrespectful element is important to mention, due to the underlying perception that we may be encouraging in the detailing industry.  He looked at me as someone unemployed and desperate to find low skilled (gig) work to support myself.  He looked down on me as a charity case and did not take seriously what I do as a real business.  My concern for business owners, who also often run higher end operations, is that they refer to their service offerings and booking with clients as a JOB.  ‘Hey guys, how can I get more jobs?’ I hear this question and wonder, why would you demean your responsibilities and the sacrifices you make being your own boss, with this language?  Why would you take your own power away to acquiesce and attract more people who would not support your business?  It also takes away from your RESPONSIBILITY as the SELF-EMPLOYED boss.

When someone looked at your website (maybe) and called, when someone at the grocery store and inquired, or parking lot asking how much do you charge, did they also ask you to fill out an application?  When they booked with you, did you have to fill out new hire paperwork.  Do your taxes look like that of an employee or owner?  Do you get worker compensation for injury on the job?  Yet people who do not get to ‘clock out’ treat the service provided as an employment opportunity.  I understand that to some people it is just language.  But I truly believe language can affect mindset.  Language can be used to manipulate.

But the customer requested you do it and it should be this much!  I find people who ask questions about tasks that they are NOT appropriately skilled for, that are dangerous, and generally are not in either party’s best interest, often use the term ‘job’.  I find people who passively ask fellow business owners’ permission to charge certain prices for their own business, use the term ‘job’.  “Hey guys how much should I charge?  What’s fair?”   “Hey guys how should I go about (something that will put me in the hospital).”  You work for yourself.  A service offering is not a job.  Those people who manipulate you like to be experts until something goes wrong.

I truly believe there is an even deeper benefit that comes from changing your mindset.  Many experienced business owners have often been openly critical of those starting up who think too much like a detailer and not like a business owner.  The way you speak to yourself can lead you to asking better questions about your day-to-day operations and long term goals.  When you talk to yourself like a business owner your dialogue becomes productive.  You plan advertising with a (big picture) mindset that is not about instant gratification.  You are not frugal with investments and advertising that will make you prosperous while others wonder how they can ‘get jobs’ during the slow season.  You set boundaries to protect your brand from people who do not have your best interest.

The question on public forums that is frequently asked is our motivation for starting a detailing business.  I have experienced working at jobs, being that dedicated employee.  Where I experienced and seen the paradox of company values work against me.  I am not the only one who knows of the most dedicated and unselfish employees being punished for their dedication while others are rewarded.  Many of us have heard of the real-world difference between a job and career.  But there is something worse than confusing the two.  Getting or trying to get away from a job, starting a business to allow and consequentially treat your business like a job.

Not getting paid for this or the outsourcing of the following:

• Cleaning Pads
• Early AM And Late PM Problem Solving
• Washing Towels
• Packing and Unpacking
• Fielding Phone Calls
• Social Media Content Creation

Someone in the consumer market said, “well that is the cost of doing business”, regarding the fees a business owner pays.  This is absolutely correct.  That is the point.  It is a business.  We Are Worthy.  Self-employment is the job you do not technically clock-out from.  That is already a great responsibility in regard to the health of the business you run.